WTAM Local News

Health survey: Ohio teens abuse some drugs less, text more

(Columbus) — The state says fewer Ohio teens are abusing prescription painkillers and using heroin as efforts to address such abuse appear to be working.

The Ohio Department of Health's 2013 Ohio Youth Risk Behavior Survey finds that about 13 percent of students reported using prescription painkillers at least once last year, down from about 21 percent in 2011.

The survey also finds the number of teens reporting they used heroin decreased from 3.1 percent to 2 percent.

The survey produced less welcome news with the finding that nearly one in every two Ohio teens has texted or emailed while driving a car.

The survey released this week also found that not enough teens are eating recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables and getting enough daily exercise.